Six of the best: Adventure time activities in Leeds

Looking for something different to do? A new hobby or just something to keep you off the chocolate? We review six ‘adventure time’ activities which are bound to give you something to talk about...

LET’S OFF ROAD 4X4 ADVENTURE TIME

Off-roading in a 4x4 is one of the most exhilerating things you can do on four wheels. So, whether you already own a 4x4 or just want to hire one for the day, it’s something guaranteed to take your breath away. And you don’t have to travel far in Leeds to find somewhere suitable. Parkwood Outdoors Ltd is based in Tong and caters for off-roading on two and four wheels. They have fully qualified driving instructors boasting more than 30 years experience between them, plus a host of vehicle hire options.

Contact them Monday-Friday 10am-2pm on 0113 2854356.

GOING UNDERGROUND POTHOLING

Potholing has to be one of the most intriguing of all adventure sports, journeying beneath the ground to discover the hidden wonders of seldom-visited cave systems.

Morley Potholing Club is a small but active club based around Leeds/West Yorkshire area. The club is well established, affiliated to the Council of Northern Caving Clubs (CNCC), caving mainly in the Dales but also further afield. The club meets on the first Tuesday of the month, from 9pm at Commercial Inn, Churwell. Call 0113 253 9007 or visit: www.morleycavers.org.uk

FLYING HIGH GLIDING

From delving below ground to soaring above it - gliding offers those brave enough a rare chance to see the world from a whole new perspective.

Find lessons in this area at the Yorkshire Gliding Club.

They say: “Whether you’re a trainee pilot, a gliding pundit, or a member of the public wanting to try something new, the YGC is a great place to be. We’re open 364 days a year, offer full-time professional instruction and maintain a fleet of modern gliders.”

Trial flights are from £89.50

For more information: www.ygc.co.uk

SERIOUS PADDLING CANOEING

Canoeing comes with a new sense of freedom for those interested in water sports, giving you chance to experience the thrill and tranquillity of gliding along your favourite waterway.

Leeds is one of the premier canoe clubs in the Yorkshire region - www.leedscanoeclub.com. The club was established in 1947. They say: “We are an extremely active club, with pool sessions, river sessions and river trips every week. Our speciality is white water kayaking but we also run canoe polo and kayak surfing.

BUMPY RIDE MOUNTAIN BIKING

These days there’s pretty much no barrier to where to can take a bicycle, especially if it’s a mountain bike.

Leeds Mountain Bikers - www.meetup.com/Leeds-Mountain-Bikers - say: “We’re a friendly group of mountain bikers and cyclists of mixed abilities and all ages. We usually schedule rides on a Saturday morning. Everyone is welcome to join on any ride and our riding is at an easy steady pace. No-one gets left behind, we wait at the top of every hill and sometimes at the bottom too.”

CLIFF HANGING INDOOR CLIMBING

If you fancy getting fit and having fun at the same time, then you can’t do worse than try your hand (or hands... and feet come to that), at climbing. Leeds Indoor Climbing Centre - www.theleedswall.co.uk - will teach you all the basics so that you can continue to climb confidently.

They say: “The Beginners Course is suitable for anyone over 18 and is ideal for you and a friend to come and climb or to bring down children and other friends. The Leeds Wall is the modern training facility for climbers of all abilities - from those trying the sport for the first time right through to the best in the world.”